1. relating to or having the characteristics of a germ cell or seed
Usage: biology
2. being in the earliest stage of development; just beginning to develop
3. creative or having the power to originate new ideas

Examples

• The germinal cells divide rapidly during early development.
• Her germinal ideas about education reform would later influence policy.
• The scientist studied the germinal stage of plant growth.
• His germinal work in physics laid the foundation for future discoveries.
• The germinal tissue showed signs of healthy development.
• The novel contains germinal themes that the author would explore throughout her career.